Laing and WS split Explore Transport

Explore Transport Ltd, the 50:50 joint venture between Laing O’Rourke’s Select Plant Hire and WS Transport, has divided its operations to allow each shareholder to focus on its core services.

The civil plant and tool hire division has been transferred to Select Plant Hire, while WS Transport has taken sole control of Explore’s transport and rail plant operations.

Explore Transport, which previously operated under a single structure with three internal divisions, will continue as the exclusive logistics provider to both Select Plant Hire and Laing O’Rourke.

Select Plant Hire director Mark Herlihy said the acquisition would enhance Select’s plant capability. “We are delighted to be bringing this business back,” he said, adding that the firm would maintain its exclusive logistics partnership with Explore Transport.

David Cox, representing WS Transport, said the separation reflected the development of Explore into “three very distinct streams” over the past decade and would allow both firms to benefit from their respective strengths.

The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Source: Laing O’Rourke announcement